Delaware Governor John Carney (D) is one of the few democratic governors opposed to the legalization of recreational cannabis. He recently compared cannabis legalization as a ‘gateway’ to opioid addiction. This way of thinking previously dominated the general public, but recent research has brought debate to this theory. Many still say that cannabis is a ‘gateway’ drug despite the research, but that shouldn’t be the case anymore. 

The governor of Nebraska and some district attorneys in Alabama have also used this language to try and stop legalization of cannabis or cannabis reform from happening at all. The other democratic governors who oppose recreational cannabis legalization are Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Hawaii Governor David Ige. Both, however, have been open to ideas of changing their opinions. Governor Carney is steadfast in his decision. 

Debate

In a recent radio interview, Governor Carney expressed his concerns about recreational cannabis legalization. 

“We spend all this time and money to get people to stop smoking cigarettes and now we want to say it’s okay to just smoke marijuana recreationally,” the governor said. “Look, I don’t want to sound like a prude about it, I just don’t think it’s a good idea.

“If you talk to the parents of some of these folks that have overdosed and passed away, they don’t think it’s a good idea because they remember the trajectory of their own sons and daughters,” he continued. “And I’m not suggesting that that’s always a gateway for all that, but if you talk to those Attack Addiction advocates they don’t think it’s a very good idea.”

Current Legislation

Right now, Delaware’s Congress is circulating a bill for recreational cannabis legalization. Called HB 150, it would regulate and tax recreational cannabis sales similar to alcohol. It’s introduction and approval came at the end of March. However the bill is still awaiting a Senate floor discussion.

Governor Carney did not comment on if he would approve or veto HB 150 should it came to his desk. But he isn’t opposed to cannabis reform. In 2017 and 2018 he signed different expungement measures to help remove possession convictions from permanent records of citizens. He also held a few roundtables to discuss concerns and answer questions from the public. As more information becomes available, we will be sure to update you with the latest. 

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.